Top 5 Places to Eat in Nice

Written by Camille Laurent, Celine Fournier, Marcus Kayode, Sebastien Simon
30/08/2025
Charming harbor in Nice with yachts and colorful Mediterranean buildings.
Huy Phan, Pexels

Nice's culinary scene is a vibrant fusion of Provençal and Italian flavors, deeply rooted in fresh, local produce from the Mediterranean Sea and surrounding countryside, offering diverse dining experiences for all tastes and budgets.

1. Chez Pipo

Cuisine: Traditional Niçoise (Socca)

This massively popular spot is renowned for its authentic Niçoise specialties, particularly socca—a crispy chickpea pancake. The socca is served hot and fresh, offering a great texture, with some locations also presenting intriguing variations such as socca parmigiana.

Price: Around €5-€15 per person (for snacks/light meal)

Getting There: The sit-down restaurant is located near the Port. There is also a famous stand in the Old Town. Both are easily walkable from central areas.

2. La Merenda

Cuisine: Authentic Niçoise cuisine

A true institution in Nice, La Merenda is a small restaurant in Old Town that attracts both locals and visitors with its timeless ambiance and commitment to seasonal, traditional Niçoise dishes. The menu, often written on a blackboard, features fresh ingredients sourced daily from local markets.

Price: €30-€50 per person

Getting There: Located in Old Town, it is a minute's walk from the Marché aux Fleurs Cours Saleya and the Promenade des Anglais. It is easily accessible by foot.

3. Comptoir du Marché

Cuisine: Traditional French and Mediterranean Bistronomy

This restaurant offers a delightful blend of traditional French and Mediterranean cuisine in a charming, retro-inspired setting. The cozy atmosphere is enhanced by vintage decor. Signature dishes include grilled calamari with artichokes, beef cheeks with polenta, and a popular pâté en croûte. An outdoor terrace provides an enjoyable setting to experience the vibrant street life. Booking ahead is strongly recommended.

Price: €25-€45 per person

Getting There: Situated in the heart of Nice's Old Town, it is within walking distance of many key areas.

4. Le Plongeoir

Cuisine: Mediterranean Seafood

Offering a truly unique dining experience, Le Plongeoir is spectacularly set on a rocky islet above the Mediterranean Sea. It provides panoramic views of the Baie des Anges and the coastline, making it an idyllic location for a romantic sunset dinner. The menu focuses on refined, contemporary seafood dishes crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Price: €70-€120+ per person

Getting There: Located off the coast, it is accessible by a pleasant walk along the Promenade des Anglais from central Nice, or by taxi.

5. Le Chantecler (Hotel Negresco)

Cuisine: Refined French Gastronomy

Nestled within the iconic Hotel Negresco, Le Chantecler is a Michelin-starred restaurant that epitomizes timeless elegance. Its opulent Louis XVI-style decor, complete with grand chandeliers, creates a luxurious ambiance reminiscent of the early 20th-century Riviera. Chef Virginie Basselot masterfully blends classic and contemporary French cuisine using the finest local ingredients, complemented by superb wines and impeccable service.

Price: €100-€200+ per person

Getting There: Located directly on the Promenade des Anglais, it is easily accessible by taxi or a scenic walk from most central Nice locations.

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